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Norris seeks law to let troopers to arrest, detain illegal aliens Senator pursues immigration enforcement for homeland security Norris, who chairs the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, which oversees the state Department of Safety and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, cited the importance of curbing illegal immigration. "Our troopers must have the authority in the course of their regular duties to detain, interrogate and arrest illegal aliens," he said, "That is not the case without the federal training and certification provided under this legislation." Norris said since 1996 federal law has given stale governments authorization to enforce federal immigration law, with proper training and supervision by federal authorities. Tennessee has not taken advantage of the opportunity and Norris said he thinks the state's participation is overdue. "Funding may have been an issue, but that should no longer be the case," Norris said "President (George W.) Bush has signed legislation to provide funding for the training. "The Homeland Security Appropriations Act was signed into law last Wednesday." Norris said his proposed bill already is picking up support among senators with whom he has spoken. "To participate, Tennessee must enter into a memorandum of understanding with the federal Department of Homeland Security. That requires legislative action on our part," Norris said. "My bill is the first step in the process.'' He said actively pursuing illegal aliens will enhance security for all Tennesseans. "Illegal immigration must be addressed more effectively at all levels of government," Norris said "Proper training should actually enhance our law enforcement and homeland security efforts and it will help protect, lawful residents, foreign and domestic, from criminal and terrorist activity." Norris, who also serves as a committee officer of the 16-state Southern Legislative Conference, said he believes that Florida and Alabama are the only southern states to have previously obtained federal training. "Officials in Alabama tell me their 21 troopers with immigration and customs credentials have made arrests resulting in 40 federal prosecutions," Norris said. "Additionally, in just over two years, they seized over $690,000 from cash smuggling operations. "Tennessee deserves the same protection." Norris, re-elected to a second term last year, represents part of Shelby County and all of Dyer, Lauderdale and Tipton counties. |
